Texas Tech sophomore defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko has been named to the watch list for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award, the Polynesian Hall of Fame announced Thursday.
Fehoko, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, is one of 38 players nationally named to the watch list and one of two to hail from the Big 12 Conference, joining Oklahoma offensive lineman Dru Samia. He is one of just nine freshmen to be nominated for the award.
The award, which is in its third year of existence, is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity. Previous recipients of the award include former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and Notre Dame offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley.
Fehoko was an honorable mention selection to the All-Big 12 teams in 2015 after starting all 13 games as a true freshman. He ended the year with 19 tackles, including four tackles for a loss and a sack.
The Polynesian Hall of Fame will unveil five finalists for the award on Nov. 17 before announcing the winner on Dec. 7. The winner will be chosen by a selection committee that includes the likes of former NFL coaches Dick Tomey and Dick Vermeil.
The watch list candidates were selected based on past performance as well as future potential. Additions to the list may be made during the 2016 season.
Fehoko and the Red Raiders open the 2016 season on Sept. 3 when Texas Tech hosts Stephen F. Austin in a 7 p.m. kickoff inside Jones AT&T Stadium. Season tickets are still on sale and can be purchased online or by contacting the Texas Tech Ticket Office at 806-742-TECH.
In addition, Tech will also place single-game tickets on sale beginning Monday morning. The Texas Tech Ticket Office is open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday on the east side of Jones AT&T Stadium.
(Courtesy: Texas Tech Sports Information Department)